HOMEBLOG

Sirine Swed is the Founder/CEO of Battington Lashes – a line of 100% silk, cruelty free and handmade extensions that create a natural and gorgeous looking lash.

Prior to founding her company, Sirine worked in the pharmaceutical industry—starting in outside sales and working her way up to VP of her own department. Throughout her career, Sirine maintained a strong interest in beauty—and always looked forward to applying lashes as a part of her morning routine (because they made her feel more confident and beautiful!).

But as Sirine continued buying and applying lashes over the years, she found that the majority of products on the market were uncomfortable, couldn’t be reused, and weren’t cruelty free! (( Cue... her major light bulb moment!))

Keep reading to learn how Sirine made the transition from sales to solopreneur, as well as her best self care, confidence + career tips!

***

Tell us a little about yourself!

I am the Owner/Founder of Battington Lashes, a mom of a 2 1/2 year old and wife to my loving husband. I started my career in the pharmaceutical industry from the time I graduated college until I was pregnant with my son. It was a phenomenal learning and growing experience, but when my company suddenly eliminated my position a couple years ago, I decided to take control of my destiny and start my own business.

What about your career path? What lead you to this point?

In the pharmaceutical industry, I started as a sales rep and worked my way up to VP of Sales running a urology division for a company. I wore lashes to work everyday. I've always LOVED beauty products and I knew there was a need for cruelty-free lashes that were also natural looking and super comfortable! Battington Lashes was born!

Battington Lashes. We love it. Tell us all about the branding process.

I worked with a local branding company in Denver. I wanted the brand to represent strong women. The cobra symbol represents Egyptian women, who were the first women in history to experiment with eye makeup and the crown is an eyelash.

What was the birthing process like? From it being just an idea to a full-blown company?

The birthing process started with researching lashes on the market and I discovered that there was only one brand that was creating silk lashes that were strip lashes. I wanted to take mine to the next level by making Battington Lashes with a comfortable band and I added 3D silk which is what generates the volume as well as length.

Via Pinterest

Who are some of your favorite beauty icons and why?

1. Jackie Kennedy because she is absolutely timeless.

2. Coco Chanel simply because she started the beauty movement.

3. Tata Harper - her products are amazing and I admire how she created her brand!

Coco Chanel circa 1936 // Photo: Roger Viollet via Vogue

What are your top 3 suggestions for someone who wants to become a “greener person”?

1. Become an ingredient expert (find out what is in all your brands).

2. Start by replacing products you use daily and then work your way from there.

3. Be patient. You don't have to change everything in your beauty routines overnight. It's a process.

If someone asked you, "What is the first step to following my dreams?" - what advice would you offer them?

You don't have to have everything figured out, just start somewhere. That's the hardest part is starting, but once you do that, you're already on your way of achieving that dream.

What is one self-confidence boosting advice you can offer to young women everywhere?

Accentuate your strengths and make them stronger! Also, put some lashes on! I promise you'll feel a boost of confidence :)

What does self-love mean to you? What is one way you bring it into your life?

Self-love is believing in yourself. It's erasing all the negative thoughts that come into your mind and focusing on the positive ones.

What do you think is the biggest fundamental difference between men & women in the business world?

Men come off more confident with their abilities, even though some of the most talented and creative business people I have ever met have been women! As women, we doubt ourselves too much, much more than men do. We have to believe in ourselves and build one another other up!

What have you learned about yourself since becoming a female entrepreneur?

I've learned that I love making women feel more confident and helping them grow in their own businesses.

When do you feel most creative & alive?

When I'm in the office working on strategy for Battington.

What message do you want to send to women who may deal with insecurities & anxieties that could be holding them back from living their lives to the fullest?

We are only here once. Make the most of it. Don't waste any time second guessing yourself!

What do you wish you could have told a younger you when you were first starting out?

Trust your instincts - always!

What makes you feel strong? Beautiful?

I feel strong when I'm surrounded by great, supportive people and I feel most beautiful when I'm happy, experiencing life to its fullest and repping some Battington lashes :-)

What has been your most memorable experience thus far since starting your business?

It has all been amazing, but the most memorable has to be when we filmed a segment for New York Live - that was really cool!

What is a wish or prayer of yours for our planet & our world?

That we become nicer to each other.

How do you maintain a healthy, balanced life while growing your business?

I make time for myself by taking time to workout. I'll do a little digital detox, turn off all my electronics and most importantly I spend quality time with my son and husband.

What are you looking forward to the most this year?

Taking Battington Lashes to the next level and continuing to grow the brand.

When you hear the phrase, 'she only lives once' - what comes to mind?

When I hear 'she only lives once' I think of the importance of making every moment in our lives count. We are only here on this earth for a short time and it is our responsibility to make the most of it - not anyone else's.